India’s Independence Day is a time to celebrate the country’s rich history and culture. It is also a time to reflect on the challenges that India has faced and overcome. There are many books that can help you learn more about India’s Independence Day and the events that led up to it. Here are seven books that I recommend:

1. The Discovery of India by Jawaharlal Nehru

This book is a personal and political history of India, written by its first prime minister. Nehru recounts the story of India from ancient times to the eve of independence, with a focus on the freedom struggle. The book is beautifully written and thought-provoking, and it provides a valuable insight into the mind of one of India’s most important leaders.

You can purchase the book here.

2. Freedom at Midnight by Dominique Lapierre and Larry Collins

This book is a gripping account of the final days of British rule in India and the tumultuous events leading up to independence. Lapierre and Collins do an excellent job of weaving together the personal stories of key figures, such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lord Mountbatten, with the broader historical narrative. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in India’s independence.

You can purchase the book here.

3. Midnight’s Children by Salman Rushdie

This novel is a fictionalized account of the partition of India, seen through the eyes of a child born on the day of independence. Rushdie’s writing is magical and unforgettable, and he deftly captures the chaos and violence of the partition. The book is a powerful and moving meditation on the meaning of India and its independence.

You can purchase the book here.

4. The Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen

This book is a collection of essays on various aspects of Indian history and culture. Sen argues that India has a long tradition of debate and discussion, and he uses this to shed light on the country’s unique approach to democracy and secularism.

You can purchase the book here.

5. The Last Mughal by William Dalrymple

This book tells the story of the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, and his final years in power. Dalrymple does an excellent job of bringing to life the last days of the Mughal Empire, and he provides a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era.

You can purchase the book here.

6. The Great Indian Novel by Shashi Tharoor

This novel is a fictionalized account of the history of India, from the Mahabharata to the present day. Tharoor uses the Mahabharata as a framework to explore the many complexities of Indian society.

You can purchase the book here.

7. India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha

This book is a comprehensive history of India from the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi in 1948 to the present day. Guha does an excellent job of balancing the political and social history of India, and he provides a balanced and nuanced view of the country’s recent past. The book is an essential read for anyone who wants to understand India today.

You can purchase the book here.

These are just a few of the many great books that you can read to learn more about India’s Independence Day. I hope you enjoy reading them.